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Restaurant Calorie Labeling Has Unintended Consequences
The road to perdition is paved with good intentions. These days, some well-intentioned individuals want restaurants along that road to post calorie data for obese and would-be-obese diners. Their logic comes in four parts: America has an obesity problem. Cutting calories means less obesity. Nutritional labeling induces people to cut calories. And labeling wouldn't hurt anything.
The road to perdition is paved with good intentions. These days, some well-intentioned individuals want restaurants along that road to post calorie data for obese and would-be-obese diners. Their logic comes in four parts: America has an obesity problem. Cutting calories means less obesity. Nutritional labeling induces people to cut calories. And labeling wouldn't hurt anything.
Correct responses to these assertions are, in order: "Agreed." "Perhaps." "Iffy." And, "Wrong." Importantly, restaurateurs, servers, diners, and taxpayers will bear the costs of mandatory labeling. Here are four questions worth thinking about.
Is obesity a problem? Obesity leads to diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other health risks. The Centers for Disease Control's obesity maps show a stunning 30-year upward trend. Yes, it's a problem.